Second only to the United States in number of troops deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the UK is responsible for Multi-National Division – Southeast and headquartered in Basrah, Iraq.  During their participation with the Coalition, the British forces have conducted Combat Patrols, Search and Arrest Missions, CIMIC Projects and Trained, Equipped and Mentored Iraqi Army, Police and Border Police units.  In addition, the first two Provinces to migrate to Provincial Iraqi Control, Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar, are part of MND-SE’s AOR and are closely watched and supported by the British command.

The UK has an open mandate and rotate their forces on an ongoing schedule, spread out over the year with six month deployments being the rule.  In addition to the Division in Basrah and staff officers with Multi-National Force – Iraq and Multi-National Corps – Iraq, the British are also involved in operations as part of the NATO Training Mission – Iraq and with the Naval Task Force in support of OIF/OEF.

Main tasks performed during 2006:

Security Ops. Patrols, strike ops, route clearance, border interdiction, air support, maritime operations. Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Governmental Development. Key Leader Engagement, Assistance to Ministries, Departmental mentoring.

Economic Development.  Infrastructure reconstruction – electricity power grid, oil pipelines, sewerage plants, water supply.

Security Sector Reform.  Reconstitution, training and mentoring of Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police Service, Customs Service and the Dept of Border Enforcement.. Assistance to the Iraqi Military Academy, Al Rustamiyah.

Reconstruction and Development. ‘Quick fix’ and medium term projects in schools, hospitals, community centres and health care clinics. UK had pledged 844 M pounds to reconstruction projects by the end of 2006.

Country Facts

Since July 2003, Australia has deployed more than 5,180 total personnel to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  These forces have been deployed to support rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Southern Iraq and to provide force security.  Each contingent that has deployed has consisted of approximately 760 personnel which include

·        Headquarters Joint Task Force

·        Force Level Logistics Assets

·        Embassy Security Detachment

·        Camp Victory Embedded Staff

·        International Zone Embedded Staff

·        Headquarters Multi-National Division - Southeast Embedded Staff

·        Overwatch Security Forces for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces

From January to November 2006, Australian Forces were located in the Al Muthanna Province providing force security for the Japanese reconstruction forces in As Samawah, Iraq.  Upon Al Muthanna Province being turned over to Provincial Iraqi Control (PIC) these Australian forces reverted to an overwatch mission.  In September 2006 the Italian forces in Dhi Qar Province declared the province ready for PIC and announced the upcoming withdrawal of all Italian military forces in Iraq.  In November 2006 the Australian forces relocated to Talil Air Base in An Nasariyah in order to provide overwatch forces for Dhi QarProvince as well.

The Australian Minister of Defense announced in September 2006 that “The Australian government is committed to completing the task at hand in Iraq,” and  increased the size of the Australian forces by 36 PAX in November 2006.  Australia rotates its contingents in December and June.

During 2006 Australian contingent received the visit of: Chief Army, Chief Defence Force, Director General Office of National Assessment, Vice Chief Defence Force, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence.

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Since August 2003, Romania has deployed over 5,200 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Assigned to two different Multi-National Divisions, Romanian forces have provided intelligence support to Multi-National Division – Center South by conducting HUMINT Missions, Interrogations, Screenings, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Missions and operating UAV platforms.  In Multi-National Division – Southeast Romanian forces provide base security, provide MSR Security and a QRF in Basrah, and conduct training and monitoring of the Iraqi Army units.

Romania has an open mandate and rotates its forces every February and August.  In addition to the forces assigned to Multi-National Force – Iraq, Romania provides support to the UNAMI mission in Basrah and to the NATO Training Mission in Baghdad as well as manning a hospital and providing emergency medical treatment for detainees and military personnel at Camps Cropper and Bucca.

During 2006 the Romanian contingent received visits by the President, Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff, 2nd JOC Commander, Romanian Ambassador and Romanian Military Attaché.

Country Facts

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